Senior Planner-Project Planning-26355005PP

County of San Diego • San Diego, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The County of San Diego is seeking passionate and forward-thinking professionals for the Senior Planner, Project Planning role. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of our communities—managing complex discretionary projects, reviewing in-depth planning and environmental studies, effectively engaging with stakeholders and shaping recommendations that guide the region’s development and conservation. Planning & Development Services (PDS) proudly undertakes the vital role of supporting the long-term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000 individuals, nestled within the expanse of San Diego County. PDS is a fast-paced planning department with a vast array of project types in settings ranging from suburban to rural. Planners working for PDS will touch on projects ranging from mixed-use, residential, commercial, affordable housing, renewable energy, and more. The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The Project Planning Division is responsible for managing all aspects of new development projects in the County, including new affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects like solar and battery storage, and commercial and mixed-use projects. In processing projects, the Project Planning Division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors. Senior Planners within the Project Planning Division may manage a varied, complex and interesting compelling portfolio of privately initiated development projects through the entitlement process, such as General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Major Use Permits, and Tentative Maps. PDS employs Senior Planners who possess extensive expertise and leadership capabilities in overseeing highly advanced, complex, delicate and challenging planning initiatives. Senior Planners may conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; and synthesize and present information, report and other findings to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials. As an integral part of the fast-paced work environment at PDS, you will find yourself immersed in a diverse range of projects set against the backdrop of unique and charismatic locations, spanning from urban areas to rural landscapes. Current vacancies for Senior Planners will be assigned to Project Planning but may be also assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.

Requirements

• Proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner, with experience managing complex discretionary projects involving several functional groups
• A strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally
• A professional perspective and objective demeanor when positive or difficult situations occur
• The ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form; strong presentation skills; and be a good listener
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to keep projects moving in a positive direction
• Strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented approach to land use and environmental planning issues
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany, geology, or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology, zoology, engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, environmental science or a related field, AND, three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to an Associate Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner II) within the County of San Diego; OR, A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in one of the fields stated above, AND, two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience as described above; OR, One (1) year of experience as an Associate Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner II) with the County of San Diego.

Responsibilities

• Performs planning and environmental review of complex discretionary projects for compliance with the County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and develops recommendations for adoption by decision-making bodies
• Senior Planners independently review a wide scope of discretionary projects characterized by having substantial public controversy, and of the highest complexity such as general plan amendments, specific plans, major use permits, and tentative maps
• Provides responsive, high-quality service to County staff, partner agencies, developers, and the public
• Manage complex discretionary projects
• Review in-depth planning and environmental studies
• Effectively engage with stakeholders
• Shape recommendations that guide the region’s development and conservation
• Manage project schedules and budgets
• Prepare staff reports
• Outreach and communication with community groups, interest groups, individuals and many other stakeholders
• Present to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and other decision-making bodies
• Provide guidance and professional support to planners at other levels
• Conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues
• Synthesize and present information, report and other findings to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials

Benefits

• Future Salary Increases: June 2026 – 3.80% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + .30% Market Adjustment) June 2027 – 3.30% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + .30% Market Adjustment)
• employee gym/workout center

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior